THE rate demand from North Wiltshire District Council a bill that does, of course, include the county council precept has increased by more than ten per cent, while the cost of Wessex Water to householders is up by seven per cent.

Ratepayers who are in full employment may be able to stomach the extra call on their purses if on incremental salaries and when the annual pay rise is more often than not based on a percentage point above the rate of inflation.

However, it is a different problem for pensioners and the like whose yearly increase in income is based on merely equating with the national inflationary figure.

Should pensioners be granted rebates so that nothing above the rate of inflation should be demanded from them when rate demands are sent to them?

E DARCH

Wayside Close

Kington Langley, Chippenham